Hip pain is caused by conditions that affect the joint, bone, and muscles or by autoimmune or inflammatory damage to cartilage and tendons. Accurate diagnosis of these conditions is necessary in order for treatment to be properly prescribed and successful. Chronic hip pain may specifically indicate hip bursitis, identified by a physician through symptom and pain assessments.
Identification
Bursa sacs are jelly-like structures containing fluid that function to reduce friction between the muscles and bones during movement. They also provide cushioning for the soft tissues in and around joints. Bursitis is occurs when this sac becomes irritated and inflamed. Trochanteric bursitis affects the the bursa at the top of the hip bone. Inflammation of the bursa located near the groin is bursitis of the iliopsoas joint.
Causes
Hip bursitis is related to overuse of the hip joint, caused by excessive or repetitive walking, climbing or bending, as well as twisting of the hip area. Repetitive motion places a strain on the tendons which in turn pull on and irritate the bursa; inflammation in the bursa results from the body's attempts to protect the affected area. Hip bursitis can be caused by an injury such as a fall, infection or disease such as gout or arthritis, in rare cases.
Pain
The primary symptom of hip bursitis is pain typically felt at the top of the thigh and radiating to the outer thigh. Iliopsoas bursitis pain is in the groin area. Bursitis pain starts as a sharp, burning and intense sensation that becomes more widespread as a general ache in the hip area. Pain tends to worsen after long periods of sitting and upon waking, or after being immobile for an extended time. Prolonged periods of standing and walking also increase symptoms.
Stiffness
The hip joint feels stiff and may be hard to move if bursitis occurs in this area. Patients experience a loss of range of motion when trying to bend, climb stairs or get up and down from a chair. Stiffness intensifies after prolonged periods of activity, as does pain.
Other Symptoms
In some bursitis cases the area around the hip can appear swollen and red, and the hip joint may feel warm and tender to the touch. These symptoms are rare in hip bursitis as the bursa are located deep beneath the skin and under some of the body's largest muscles.
